Prostitution Sting Nets 3 Suspects Seeking Minor-Aged Females for Sex

On June 21, 2017, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office again joined with several area law enforcement agencies to combat Human Trafficking/Prostitution in Yavapai County. YCSO along with Prescott PD, Prescott Valley PD, the Gang Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission task force (GITEM - DPS), FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) conducted an operation to target the buyers of child and adult prostitutes.

It is important to understand that Human Trafficking is the second most prolific crime in the world, second only to narcotics trafficking in terms of revenue generated. The victims of human trafficking are often teenaged girls who, for various reasons, are forced to engage in repeated sexual assaults for the profit of a “pimp” soliciting customers for prostitutes. In an effort to eliminate the demand for prostitutes, this operation targeted buyers who would otherwise willingly hire underage and/or adult prostitutes for sexual gratification. After the suspects initiated contact in response to a notice from an internet publication, they made arrangements to meet the “prostitutes,” actually undercover law enforcement officers, in a specified Yavapai County motel room. On June 21, 2017, the team of combined law enforcement officers apprehended these men who, even with knowledge some of the “prostitutes” were legally considered children, still intended to exploit them anyway through paid sex acts.

A total of 3 adult men were arrested following their request for sex acts and an offer or presentation of payment in the hotel room. Names, details, and booking information follow:

Clemente Martinez, age 37, from Prescott, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 14-years-old for sex. He remains in-custody on a $5,000 bond. Martinez was out on bond regarding an unrelated case and is also under an immigration hold.

Ronald Lowman, age 61, from Prescott Valley, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 16-years-old for sex. He has been released on a $5000 bond.

Johxen Poquento, age 35, from Prescott Valley, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 16-years-old for sex. He remains in-custody on a $5,000 bond.

I will continue to make these types of operations a priority for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office because the goal of protecting our children from sexual predators must continue. I would like to thank all the assisting agencies for their support and participation in the investigation. On behalf of my fellow law enforcement partners, it is my hope these arrests send a message that preying on our children will not be tolerated in this County.”

Sheriff Scott Mascher

From Homeland Security Investigations in Phoenix:

“Our communities are safer now that these deviants have been arrested,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge of HSI Phoenix. “HSI will continue to work closely with its law enforcement partners to hold these dangerous sexual predators accountable for their actions.”

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov